Guidance on the Care Leaver Payment in Scotland, introduced on 1 April 2026. This one off £2,000 payment is designed to help young people in Scotland overcome financial barriers as they leave care and move into independent living.

The Guidance for Practitioners aims to provide support and clarity to practitioners as they deliver the payment and promote consistency across all local authorities. This guidance may also be used by practitioners to help support young people as they receive the payment.

The Guidance for Recipients is designed for young people leaving care who will receive the payment. It explains who is eligible, who will make the payment, when it will be paid, and the different ways young people can choose to receive it. It also sets out the support and advice local authorities must provide to ensure young care leavers can access the payment safely.

Read the Care Leaver Payment Guidance for Practitioners 

Read the Care Leaver Payment Guidance for Recipients